WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD… WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD?

U1 – October - OVERVIEW - What a wonderful World
This unit is meant to give you a first glimpse of all topics of your syllabus. Later we’ll go into more detail. You’ll develop your English skills as you view, read and listen to different types of text, speak and discuss with your colleagues, write your views on the different subjects. This unit will also help you become more autonomous and ‘refresh’ your collaboration skills.
For your reference here is an overview of the unit and a list of skills and competences which will help you plan your learning activities.
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YOUR final TASK
Devise a sketch that reflects the paradoxes, the diversity and the complexity of our world.
Your sketch should give evidence of:
- Vocabulary you learned
- Accuracy in language
- Different insights you discussed in the group
- A critical view on the (sub-)topic you chose
All members will participate in the making and the presentation of the sketch. It will take approximately 10 minutes and first presentation must be ‘live’. Finally, it should also reflect your imagination and enthusiasm...
Presentations will take place on 31 October.
To help you build on knowledge, vocabulary and accuracy you will:
- Read and discuss a poem by Lawrence Ferlinghetti:The world is a beautiful place
- Read and discuss an informative text about the evolution of marriage and the family in European history (extract from Sociology, by Anthony Giddens). KEY
- View and discuss two adverts and answer the questions. KEY
- Listen to and discuss a poem by Maya Angelou: Phenomenal Woman.
- Read a literary text, an extract of the book Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
- View and discuss some films that are part of an Amnesty International campaign
- Read and discuss a speech by Muhammad Yunus , Nobel Peace Prize 2006
- Write short commentaries or opinion texts on different issues
- Write a biography OR advice on how to write a biography (optional)
In the meanwhile you will focus and do some exercises on the following grammar and vocabulary topics:
- Word Formation - Collocations
- Linking words / conjunctions - Verbs + preposition
- Phrasal verbs - Verb tenses

DO NOT WAIT FOR THE COMPLETION OF ALL THESE TASKS TO START DESIGNING YOUR SKETCH.
BRAINSTORM YOUR IDEAS FROM THE BEGINNING, DEVISE A FIRST DRAFT, IMPROVE IT AS YOU MOVE ON.

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Ferlinghetti
http://www.beatmuseum.org/ferlinghetti/lawrenceferlinghetti.html
http://www.citylights.com/ferlinghetti/
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/index.cfm
http://www.mayaangelou.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Angelou
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/phenomenal-woman/ (You can find many poems here)
http://www.grameenfoundation.org/welcome/muhammad_yunus/
http://br.youtube.com/watch?v=4cxPD-vM7D0
Giddens, A. (1993). Sociology.Cambridge: Polity Press (pp. 396-397)

And for those who can’t skip a big challenge:
Achebe, C. (2006). Things Fall Apart. Penguin Red Classic.

REMEMBER:
- Your individual work may, at any time, be collected for correction. Write drafts that are readable.
- Someone in the group is responsible for recording and organizing materials in a binder. Rotation is your best bet.
- Some(one) in the group must be responsible for leading the group discussions, keeping track of time, making sure everybody is participating, etc. Again, rotation is your best bet.
- Your LOG: after each lesson a short (group) reflection on your activities is due. Again, rotation is …

ENJOY YOUR WORK